Bob Noles
03-19-2008, 9:34 AM
Bandsaws are probably the most discussed topic on woodworking forums and I would like to open the topic for yet another discussion.
I reached a crossroad where I needed to sell my former bandsaw and now need to find a replacement that will meet my needs. I want to ask you good folks for your opinions and advice in helping me make a decision. Right now I am looking at, but not limited to, the G0555, the G0555X, the G0457 and the Rikon 10-325.
My requirements of a BS are resawing boards 6" and less as that is the size of my jointer. I would like to begin making BS boxes. I have a 10" mini lathe. I am learning to carve and need to cut small carving blanks. I do mostly smaller type work as that is all my health will allow. I will not be using this machine as a sawmill and trying to cut logs. I am not sure of the advantage of a European model over a standard model. I like the approx 43" table height. I have a 10" Craftsman with a 4" cutting height as a 2nd BS for smaller projects to keep me from having to change blades so often. I want a quality machine that is easy to tune and maintain. This saw will be one of the more MAJOR machines in my shop. My shop is small and I would like to stay with a 14" model. I don't want to buy more saw than I really need, but have no problem paying for quality and features. I have a good working knowledge of BS's but having trouble with making a decision of which one would best fit my needs based on the above.
Looking for any help and advice I can get to get me off the fence.
I reached a crossroad where I needed to sell my former bandsaw and now need to find a replacement that will meet my needs. I want to ask you good folks for your opinions and advice in helping me make a decision. Right now I am looking at, but not limited to, the G0555, the G0555X, the G0457 and the Rikon 10-325.
My requirements of a BS are resawing boards 6" and less as that is the size of my jointer. I would like to begin making BS boxes. I have a 10" mini lathe. I am learning to carve and need to cut small carving blanks. I do mostly smaller type work as that is all my health will allow. I will not be using this machine as a sawmill and trying to cut logs. I am not sure of the advantage of a European model over a standard model. I like the approx 43" table height. I have a 10" Craftsman with a 4" cutting height as a 2nd BS for smaller projects to keep me from having to change blades so often. I want a quality machine that is easy to tune and maintain. This saw will be one of the more MAJOR machines in my shop. My shop is small and I would like to stay with a 14" model. I don't want to buy more saw than I really need, but have no problem paying for quality and features. I have a good working knowledge of BS's but having trouble with making a decision of which one would best fit my needs based on the above.
Looking for any help and advice I can get to get me off the fence.